Military Life
There may be a lot that is unknown about military families and specifically, the Gold Star Community, but thanks, in part, to the drive of one individual and her chapter, that uncertainty is being erased. "Casualties of war don't just happen in the battlefield, so being able to honor that service
Travel
I watched as the bituminous coal glowed red in a forge. Blacksmith Ray Baker looked and said the coals' temperature exceeded that of molten lava. He shoved a steel rod into the coals; minutes later, he withdrew it and used a pair of tongs to twist it into a circle. This was
Archives
Trash to Treasure It has to be completely obvious by now that I have a pretty strident aversion to new mass manufactured products. I think they’re soulless. I much prefer things with history and buying as close to home as possible. I want my money to stay just as close circulating
Archives
Fashion is such a broad topic. There are clothing fashions, jewelry fashions, shoe, home décor, hats, bags and makeup fashions. Trends come, trends go (some trends we couldn’t wait to see go … Spandex bike shorts with oversized T-shirts, anyone?). There’s one hot lady in town who seems to always
Archives
Funky blue, black and white geometric patterns on Salon Ivoni hairstylist Kim Barran’s Mix-It dress ($40, JC Penny’s) stood out in the crowd at Jazzbones Anniversary Party Saturday. Her long sleeves gather at the wrist adding to the 1960’s retro vibe. Black patent leather belt with exaggerated square buckle came
Military Life
Hailey Fort of Bremerton has been caring for the homeless population of Kitsap County for more than four years. She brings them food, toiletries and warm coats, and she's even working on providing shelter to people who don't have a place to stay. In fact, during the past year, she's
Military Life
For automobile owners looking to add a bit of color to their ride, GT Auto Sales and Services is worth visiting. Located at 7004 South Tacoma Way for the past two-and-a-half years, the family-owned independent automotive dealership specializes in affordable used cars and trucks. "GT Auto Sales and Services in Tacoma is
News Front
Comprised of empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty and loyalty, character shapes and guides leadership. "The foundation of our profession is centered on trust ... it will take every measure of competence and commitment to forge ahead," wrote former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, in a recent press release. "Above all
Military Life
Arlene Murray, current president of the Tahoma Gold Star Wives Chapter, has a special connection to the organization. "I was thirty-one when I became a widow," she said. "I was handed a gold star by the casualty officer but didn't learn about the organization until much later." The struggle of dealing
Music
Over the years, the city of Tacoma has been proud to support the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association. Now the two orchestras are joining forces to say "Thank You" to the city with a free concert underwritten by Dr. Hsushi Yeh and sponsored by the Connelly
Music
There are moments in everybody's lives where shepherds emerge to usher you into new musical territories. I often write about how my parents shaped my appreciation of music through their joint effort to get me listening to oldies, and then my father's solo effort to corrupt me with Frank Zappa,
Stage
Blame it on Beckett is an intelligently written comedy-drama by John Morogiello and directed for Olympia Little Theatre by Kendra Malm. High on irony and insider-theater references, the humor is esoteric and the drama realistic. Jim Foley (played by Rick Pearlstein in the biggest and best performance I've seen him in
Arts
The Evergreen State College is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Long House with an exhibition called “Swigwial?txw at 20: Building upon the Past, Visioning into the Future”, featuring works by more than 70 Native artists in paint, print, sculpture, glass, basketry and other crafts. Each of the artists have
Attractions
Spring. A time of new life and new beginnings. For more than 25 years, the Washington State Spring Fair has celebrated all that is wonderful about this special season. And this year, there is more to celebrate than ever before with an additional four acres of rides, food, shopping and
Music
In Clarksdale, Mississipi in 1929, Robert Johnson struck a bargain with the devil on a dark, dusty crossroads: In exchange for musical talent, Robert agreed to ... Well, the devil only traffics in one type of currency. That's how Robert Johnson became the "King of the Delta Blues." He also spent
News Front
An annual local favorite will be returning to Olympia. The VFW Post 318 Auxiliary will be hosting their Spring Bazaar Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event organizer Darcy Mugartegui is excited to share the new changes to the bazaar this year. "Over fifty percent of our
News Front
For John Theine, the news about the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors coming to Lacey was a double blessing. First, Theine, the band director at River Ridge High School who scheduled the concert, will be able to hear the jazzy sound himself in person. Second, and more importantly, the community